Experiencing issues with your Honda key fob after a battery replacement is a common frustration for many car owners. If you own a 2016 Honda Pilot and your key fob has stopped working after you replaced the battery, you’re likely looking for answers and solutions. It can be particularly puzzling when the fob worked perfectly fine before the battery change. Let’s explore some troubleshooting steps to get your Honda Key Fob 2016 functioning again.
One of the first things to check is the battery itself. Even if you’ve installed a brand new CR2032 battery, there are a few potential issues here. Firstly, ensure you’ve installed it with the correct polarity. The positive (+) side should typically be facing upwards, but double-check the markings inside the key fob case. Secondly, although less common, the new battery itself could be faulty or have a low charge from the factory. Trying a different new CR2032 battery is a quick and easy step to rule out a battery problem.
Another simple check is to examine the battery contacts within the key fob. Sometimes, these contacts can become slightly bent or corroded, preventing a good connection with the battery. Carefully inspect the metal contacts and gently ensure they are making firm contact with both sides of the battery. Avoid bending them forcefully as they are delicate.
If the red light on your honda key fob 2016 isn’t illuminating when you press the buttons, this is a key indicator of a power issue. As you mentioned, your working Fob B’s red light illuminates normally. The lack of light on Fob A strongly suggests that the fob is not receiving power, despite the new battery. This could still point to a battery contact problem or, in less frequent cases, an internal issue within the key fob itself.
You mentioned that you can start your 2016 Honda Pilot by physically pressing the fob against the start button. This functionality, while confirming the immobilizer chip within the fob is still recognized by the vehicle, doesn’t rely on the regular key fob button functions for remote locking, unlocking, or trunk release. It operates through a different system, Near Field Communication (NFC), which allows the car to detect the fob’s presence for starting even with a dead or malfunctioning button circuit.
It’s unlikely that your honda key fob 2016 became unpaired from your Pilot simply by changing the battery. Key fobs are generally programmed to the vehicle and don’t lose their pairing during a battery replacement. However, if the above steps don’t resolve the issue, there’s a possibility of a more complex problem.
Given that you have a HondaCare contract, this is definitely a valuable resource to utilize. Contacting your Honda dealer and explaining the situation is the next logical step. Your HondaCare contract may cover key fob issues, and they will have diagnostic tools and expertise to determine if the fob itself is faulty or if there’s another underlying problem. They can also reprogram the key fob if necessary, although as mentioned, unpairing due to battery change is rare.
Before contacting the dealer, you could try one more thing: ensure the battery compartment is completely clean and free of any debris or residue. Sometimes, a tiny amount of dirt or moisture can interfere with the battery connection. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe the battery compartment.
In summary, troubleshooting your honda key fob 2016 after a battery change involves systematically checking the most likely causes first: battery polarity, battery quality, battery contacts, and general cleanliness of the battery compartment. If these simple steps don’t restore functionality, leveraging your HondaCare contract and seeking assistance from your Honda dealer is the most effective way to diagnose and resolve the issue. They can confirm if the key fob needs replacement or reprogramming and handle it professionally.
Remember to always use the correct CR2032 battery for your Honda key fob and handle the fob with care during battery replacement to avoid any accidental damage.
